Lee
Kannada (U/A) ¬¬
Cast: Sumanth Shailendra Babu, Nabha Natesh, Sneha Namdhani, Rahul Dev, Chikkanna, Rangayana Raghu, Sadhu Kokila,
Suchendra Prasad
Director: H M Srinandan
Lee, despite its title, is neither a biopic nor has it anything to do with karate icon Bruce Lee. It is a routine romance, wherein a couple from different communities -- Christian and Hindu -- face familiar hurdles from family, while seeking to formalise their relationship. Adding to their problems is the Dubai don who sets his sights on the lass wishing to covet and carry her away as his bride.
Narrated through flashback, with animals — a dog, ass and sheep narrating the tale — Lee revolves around Charlie, martial arts trainer, and Leela, who fall in love, only to face strong parental opposition. The couple leave their homestead and head to the city registry to solemnise their marriage. However, the Dubai don sends his cronies to bring the damsel to his den.
Charlie, displaying his martial skills, is hit on the head rendering him mad and senile. What was Charlie before and thereafter? Does he get his memory back? Does their romance end happily? Is Dubai don sent behind bars by the secret service which is after him? These form the fulcrum of Lee which touches on immoral trafficking, beggar mafia, underworld, corrupt police, and other formulaic template.
Srinandan makes heavy weather of Lee leaving the audience rue a disastrous Sankranthi outing. Neither Anand Rajavikraman and Gurukiran’s score nor the cast’s pitiful performance help Lee. Nandakumar’s cinematography is the only saving grace. Shun Lee with a bargepole. A classic example of how not to make a movie.
